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Woodlake officer charged with 12 counts of sexual assault against two women

"In addition to prosecuting Robles to the fullest extent, we have begun the process of evaluating those cases and will also be reviewing cases that resulted in a conviction to ensure their integrity," he said.

A Woodlake police officer is on the opposite side the law after being accused of sexually assaulting at least two women, while in uniform.

He now faces a long list of criminal charges related to the assaults.

On Monday, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward charged Robles with two counts of sexual assault by a public officer, two counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by means of threatening to use the authority of a public office, kidnap for oral sex, assault with intent to commit oral sex during the commission of a first-degree burglary, sexual battery by restraint, false imprisonment, attempted oral copulation under the color of authority, dissuading a witness, oral copulation under color of authority, and rape by threat of arrest.

Nine of the 12 counts took place on Jan. 9 against one woman. Three counts are related to an assault that took place between April and August, according to a complaint filed by prosecutors.

If convicted on all counts, Robles faces life in prison.

Oscar Robles(Photo: Tulare County Sheriff's Office)

"Our office will work diligently to secure justice for the victims who bravely came forward, and we stand resolute to assist others who may,” Ward said.

Tulare County deputies first learned of the assaults on Sept. 11. An on-duty deputy spotted two people walking toward Woodlake. He pulled over and began talking to them. He then offered them a ride to the city.

While on the way, the woman spoke up. She wanted to know how to report a Woodlake officer's inappropriate behavior, deputies said.

"There were allegations of illegal and wrongful searches," Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said, during a press conference on Friday. "There were also sexual incidents with threats of exposure."

Shortly after the investigation began, detectives say they found another victim.

After being interviewed by detectives, both women were able to identify Robles by name. The women didn't know each other but had very similar stories, Boudreaux said.

In both incidents, the women were raped and forced to perform oral sex on Robles, according to the complaint.

Because of this, detectives believe there could be more victims.

"We are here for the victims," Boudreaux said. "We would encourage any potential victims of this suspect to please, come and tell your story."

Detectives believe Robles was in uniform when he assaulted the women.

Woodlake Police Chief Mike Marquez said Robles has been placed on paid administrative leave. An internal investigation into Robles is being handled by Visalia Police Department.

Robles has been employed through the department since May 2014.

There are nearly 20 pending cases that Robles is involved with, Ward said.

"In addition to prosecuting Robles to the fullest extent, we have begun the process of evaluating those cases and will also be reviewing cases that resulted in a conviction to ensure their integrity," he said.

Robles remains behind bars. His bail has been set at $460,000.

The DA’s Victim Services Division serves all victims of crime. For resources and other assistance, call 636-5471.